About the Program
America Conference, Chicago, 2010.
Our Goal-To keep older adults active and safe at home in their communities.
The Need
- Every 18 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency department for a fall
- Every 35 minutes an older adult dies because of their injuries.
- The number of people in the US over the age of 65 is expected to grow to 71.5 million by 2030.
- Current annual direct medical costs $19.2 BILLION
- Projected 2020 annual costs $54.9 BILLION
Source: Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Our Program
- Pre & post evaluation for fall risk
- Attention to individual needs: mobility, safe performance of activities inside & outside the home
- Exercise: Special emphasis on (re)awakening the joy of movement
- Strengthening, coordination, flexibility, balance, bone health in a graduated program, working towards simulating environmental hazards
- A home exercise program
- Education: personal & environmental risk for falls
- Safety strategies for everyday situations
Our Results
Participants: 97 participants aged 55-93. 16 men, 81 women.
Pre- and Post Evaluation: Forward Functional Reach Test:
Score of <6" = significant increased risk for falls
Score of 6-10" = moderate risk for falls
Score of >10" = adequate functional balance
Results:
Significantly lower risk for falls after 10 weeks
Average 3.4" increase in forward reach (raw pre reach scores 4-17", raw post reach scores 6-18")
High risk category:
Greatest gains: 4.7" increase in forward reach (raw pre reach scores 4-6", raw post reach scores 6-12.5")
Noticeable improvement in strength & flexibility in 4 weeks.
Increased confidence, better balance reported in indoor & outdoor mobility activities (average 1.5 point increase on 5 point Likert confidence scale)